How to treat menopause syndrome with Chinese herbal medicine?

Tiejun Tang

About 80% of women in the UK will experience menopausal symptoms in their lifetime. It might happen to women at the age of 45—55. In the UK, the average age for menopause is 52 years.

The main symptoms of menopause syndrome are: amenorrhea, hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations, depression, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, loss of libido, vaginal dryness and pain during the sex.

Western medicine treats menopause syndrome by symptoms management, usually sleeping pills were prescribed for insomnia and pain killers for headaches; it only can relieve some symptoms temporarily. Since 1950’ hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was applied to menopause treatment, external hormone was given by tablets, patches or implants. Although HRT can effectively release menopause symptoms, but there is evidence shown that it can increase the risk of cancer in the breast, womb and ovarian, it also leads to increased risk of blood clotting and stroke. Is there any medicine can release menopause symptoms without increasing these risks? The probability of Chinese herbal medicine is a good option.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes kidneys dominate the fertility and reproduction function of human body. Menopause is mainly due to kidney deficiency, hot flushes and night sweats which indicate kidney yin deficiency; palpitations and insomnia indicate disharmony between heart and kidney; depression and anxiety indicate liver qi stagnation; lower libido and vaginal dryness indicate kidney essence deficiency.

Each menopause case might have different clinical manifestations. Chinese medicine will select different herbs according to individual conditions. For Kidney yin deficiency Zhibai Dihuang Wan and Qinhao Biejia Tang will be applied; for heart and kidney disharmony Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan is a good choice; for liver qi stagnation Xiaoyao Wan is suitable. I only mentioned the name of these formulas, actually each formula contains many herbs, and each herb contained has many effective ingredients.   

All herbs come from natural plants, non- toxic, non- side effects, which are much safer than synthetic drugs. Pharmacology research showed many herbs contain isoflavones, lignans and coumarins. These ingredients have oestrogens like function, so they have been called phyto-oestrogens. That is why they show good effect on the menopause syndrome. I would like to recommend this natural HRT to all the menopausal ladies.

Reference:

Eden JA. Managing the menopause: phyto-oestrogens or hormone replacement therapy? Ann Med. 2001; 33(1):4-6.

A classic formula for clean away summer heat

Tiejun Tang

The highest-ever temperature in Britain has been recorded. This Wednesday a temperature of 37.4C was recorded at Heathrow around 1.30pm, the London Weather Centre said. It is the hottest day in recent 25 years.

Most of people feel uncomfortable in these hot days. Many old and weak peoples were was fainting or unconsciousness. The London Ambulance Service said total calls on that day were up 28 per cent on the same period last week.

I would like to introduce a classic Chinese herb formula for fighting the hot weather. It will make you feels much better and safer in this hot summer.

This formula was original from Wang Meng Ying (AD1808-1868), a famous specialist of febrile diseases in Qing Dynasty. The formula named Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang (清暑益气汤).

The ingredients are: Xiyangshen (American ginseng) 5g, Shihu 15g，Maimengdong 9g，Huanglian 3g，Zhuye 6g，Hegen 6g，Zhimu 6g，Gancao 3g，Jingmi 15g，Xiguacuiyi 30g. 

Boiled with water and drink the decoction twice a day.

Note: the dosage usually various in individual person.

The function of this formula is: Clean away summer heat and benefit vital qi; Nourishing yin and promoting body fluid.

Indications are: Fever, excessive sweating, thirsty, restlessness, dark urine, fatigue, short of breath, irritable and lower mood.

Do you have any of above symptoms? Try this Chinese herbal decoction, it will make you feels much refresh and energetic in the hot summer.